As of today, January 1, 2026, the decree promoted by AMLO to legalize vehicles of American or Canadian origin is no longer in effect, making importation the only legal way to legalize vehicles.
President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has enacted a decree repealing the agreement that allowed the legalization of used vehicles of foreign origin, popularly known as “chocolate cars.” The measure, published this Tuesday in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF), marks the definitive closure of a program initiated in 2022 during the previous administration.
The decree repeals the “Agreement instructing various actions to the indicated agencies regarding the definitive importation of used vehicles,” originally published on October 18, 2021, as well as the main decree of December 29, 2022, and all subsequent amendments. This scheme had allowed for the simplified legalization of millions of vehicles imported irregularly, mainly from the United States, in border states and states with high migration rates.
In its preamble, the government document argues that the program has already fulfilled its objective of providing legal certainty to owners, protecting family assets, and contributing to public safety by identifying vehicles potentially used in criminal activities. It also highlights that the funds collected through a one-time payment of 2,500 pesos per vehicle were allocated to paving projects in participating municipalities.
The transitional decree for vehicles already in the process (registered for the procedure) is amended, but no new applications will be accepted.
The decision puts an end to a controversial policy: applauded by some sectors of the population for facilitating access to affordable transportation, but criticized by the Mexican automotive industry, which accused it of encouraging smuggling and harming new vehicle sales.
From now on, the importation of used vehicles must comply with general foreign trade regulations, without the previous special privileges. Government sources indicate that the measure seeks to regulate the vehicle market and prioritize incentives for domestic production. So, dear reader, if you’re thinking of buying or have recently bought an unregistered car, you’d better think twice or try to get rid of it, because tax enforcement operations are coming and license plates from associations are USELESS.
Source: politicaficciondigital
